The following year in Vail, we touched on the growing chasm between the "haves vs. the have not's," deterioration of the middle class, the devolving societal fabric, the growing trend of nationalization, and the probabilities of entering a recession "entirely more depressing than a recession."

This is NOT a victory lap; it's some necessary context that this movement has arrived on cue and very much according to plan. The future is still ours-we simply need to find common ground, proactive purpose, and calmer heads before the wheels fall off the wagon entirely.

I don't profess to have a simple solution-I don't believe there is one-but we can certainly take steps to come together before we break apart. We need a forum for discussion, mediation between classes and a solution set that provides a positive path, or even a first step.

Make no mistake, it could get worse-a lot worse-but it's not too late. We've said for years that in order to get through this, we needed to go through this. The future is ours and it starts today.

Random Thoughts:

If there was a stress-per-percent gauge in the market, today-and this year, for that matter-might be trading at an all-time high.

Its borderline nutty; the bulls and bears have both been empowered by the action-the former, given the latter can't crack the tape below S&P 1220 and the latter, given the former actually believes that.

Meanwhile, we're on a fast train to Flatsville, with the S&P, NASDAQ and DXY are all a stone's throw from the even in 2011.

While I've recently 'traded around' some Bank America (BAC) and Apple (AAPL)-as discussed in real-time each session on The Buzz & Banter (free trial!)-I have this nagging, steadfast, guttural sense that social mood will shape the financial markets-and we know which way that is heading (click here lest you need a reminder).

I'm nothing if not honest-all a man has is his name and his word-so I'll communicate that my risk appetite isn't what it used to be, and I've learned to trust my gut. I'm all for taking disciplined stabs when I perceive an edge-both ways, as a function of time and price-but there is typically an "'easy' trade" each day, and if I can capture that while keeping my overnight risk tight, I'll sleep better.

Germany is the best house in a tough European neighborhood and is widely considered "best in breed." With that said and respected, I'll draw your attention to two charts; the first is potential dandruff in the DAX (read: a bearish head and shoulders formation) that if triggered, could "work" to DAX 5000 and the second is a chart of the S&P vs. DAX. You will notice a widening of late, with the US outperforming Germany, but unless you believe in de-coupling-and I don't, with upwards of one quadrillion dollars in derivatives tying the world together-those charts, and countries, will trade in sync.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Good traders know how to make money; great traders know how to take a loss. I'm far from a great trader, but "taking a (small) loss" yesterday averted what would have been a big loss, and a "hope" situation this morning.

The addition of Disney (DIS) CEO Robert Iger to the Apple board bodes well for their future content relationship, above and beyond the much-anticipated TV launch.

Given all the focus on the pennant formation in the S&P, does anyone wanna bet a finski that the first break will be a false break?